Our BSc (Hons) Psychology delves into the scientific and theoretical underpinnings of psychology while exploring the nature of human behaviour. Studying this thought-provoking subject will challenge your mind, deepen your understanding of yourself and others, and accelerate your future career prospects.
An undergraduate degree in psychology will help you develop transferable skills for a wide range of industries such as education, healthcare, HR and many more. In this blog post, we discuss five exciting sectors you could work in as a psychology graduate.
1. Education
Working in education can be a highly rewarding career path. Even though teachers usually have qualifications in education, a degree in psychology is a relevant alternative. You could also work in education as a Careers Advisor, helping students at pivotal points during their studies. You’ll utilise the strong communication and observation skills you’ve developed throughout your degree, to advise and inspire students.
2. Human Resources
In any HR role, your advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills will be useful when dealing with work-related issues in any organisation. Entry level roles could involve recruiting candidates and training those who are hired. With a postgraduate degree such as MSc Organisational Psychology or MSc International Human Resource Management, your future role could entail optimising workforce performance, improving organisational structures, and effectively motivating employees.
3. Law
There’s a huge variety of roles you could embark on within the legal sector as a psychology graduate. Particular modules of your undergraduate degree such as advanced cognitive psychology and critical social psychology are valuable in understanding how people behave in legal settings. With a further postgraduate qualification, you could explore career paths such as criminal profiling, rehabilitation and roles within the courtroom.
4. Community
Psychology graduates who decide to pursue roles within the community could be employed in a range of counselling or social work jobs. You’ll use your psychology related skills to actively listen to individuals or groups dealing with a range of issues – such as divorce, bereavement and unemployment – supporting them to make decisions and promoting positive ways to move forward.
5. Healthcare
With further postgraduate study you could become a Health Psychologist, where you’ll support patients and their families with a range of health conditions. You’ll apply your psychology knowledge and research skills to look at the psychological impact of illness on patients. Not only that, but you’ll also use your refined communication and interpersonal skills to give advice and encourage positive health behaviours.
Further study
For aspiring psychologists – provided you gain at least a Lower Second-Class (2.2) Honours degree overall and pass your Final Psychology Project with a minimum grade of 40% – you’ll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with BPS. And with additional training at postgraduate level, you can qualify as a Chartered Psychologist (C.Psychol).
Why study psychology with Essex Online?
Not only can you study from anywhere in the world, but you’ll also have 24/7 access to your study materials via our cutting-edge virtual learning platform (VLE). You’ll connect with fellow students around the world, hear different perspectives on psychology topics and network on a global scale. If that’s not enough, here’s a few more reasons to study with us:
- expand your career prospects with our British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited degree
- our courses are taught by subject matter experts and respected industry thought-leaders
- receive dedicated student support, from application through to graduation and beyond
- gain a recognised qualification from the University of Essex, one of the UK’s top 25 universities (Guardian University Guide 2025)
To find out more about the BSc (Hons) Psychology, visit the course page. If you have any queries, please contact our friendly Admissions team.